Irifune, a longtime favorite on Kapahulu, reopened on Monday downtown on Mililani Mall, makai of the downtown post office & Ewa of the state tax office. It's now open M-F 11am-2pm, with a ~10 item takeout lunch menu. There are 18 seats in their peaceful outdoor lanai - a nice oasis in the middle of town. I had the Bento - tempura (shrimp, calamari, Okinawan sweet potato, asparagus & eggplant), sashimi (3 pieces of really fresh ahi) & their famous garlic ahi. Bento came with miso soup & small salad for $10. I'll be back! ;) read more

Irifune Restaurant - Bento - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I came here with my family to have lunch & everything was amazing! Even with just one chef, they had it out in a timely manner. Everyone enjoyed their fish, tempura, pork, & as a vegetarian I loved the garlic tofu stir fry. Outdoor seating (covered overhead) that is very calm & soothing, so you will have to find parking (there is a building nearby) read more

I can smell the garlic fumes from here almost daily on my lunch breaks. They have an assortment of garlicky items and, walking past, I've been too indecisive over what to order to commit to trying here. Now, as I stand on the precipice of moving to a new workplace slightly further away, I finally found out why this place is so hyped. Their "bento", written on the signboard simply as "bento", is only $10. That alone is something of a miracle in a crowded downtown spot. But this relatively cheap bento is also filling and has ahi too ! The bento has a few slices of a garlicky ahi tataki on a bed of ponzu and onion, the texture of well marbled meat. There is also a tender piece of seared ahi, juicy with a spicy garlic sauce and a delightful crunch on the outside. Both pieces of ahi didn't have any sort of fishy taste, and were presumably very fresh. The tempura is also wonderful. More of a Japan style than local style, the batter is light and crispy, and doesn't get soggy even when drenched in sauce. There is a generous serving of eggplant, zucchini, shrimp, and white fish. I think the rice is "hapa" rice, so that plus the salad makes the meal feel a little healthy. There are swarms of hungry birds around the restaurant, so if you are feeling compassionate and carb averse, I wouldn't suggest not feeding the birds--especially the hens in search of food for their hungry chicks, some of your rice. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Bento (haupia on the left) - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The tofu stir-fry was tofu (which was good), and a bunch of stems of cabbage and (broccoli?) and tons of raw pieces of white onion. I had an upset stomach because I was so hungry and had to eat it. The lady who took my order was so sweet I had to give 2 stars for her Most people ordered the katsu chicken plate so that's probably the call. read more

Customer service is always friendly and welcoming here. Most popular item on the menu is their signature bento!

I ordered the bento today as I usually do once a month or so. I sometimes order their ponzu hamburger steak. Anyways. I waited for half an hour and after watching the last person to order after me pick up their food, I go and ask where is my order. There literally was no one else there waiting for their food, and the guy who took my order tells me he gave my order to someone else. WTF? This after I had him repeat my order number, so I know I would hear him right, but and he never called the number given anyway. He sometimes called out the dish ordered and sometimes called out the order number. I heard what I ordered but never heard my order number. Did someone get free food?  Did the guy fail to put my order in, despite the repeated order number? Maybe he failed to out in someone else's order.All of know for sure is that I spent 2/3 of my lunch, waiting for a meal that I never received and may have been given to someone else. If true, I'll bet it would not have happened if the guy actually used the order number he gave me. Why give order numbers if it will not be used? What also disturbed to me is the guy tried to replace my order with Katsu Curry while the owner watched the attempted bait and switch without uttering a sound. Doesn't he oversee his establishment with pride? Is replacing my long awaited meal with an inferior dish cool with him? Apparently not. After going back to work starving, grouchy and definitely pissed off, I tell the only coworker who I know goes there what happened and he asks if it was the usual woman that took my order. I say no, and he said she is good at taking and delivering orders and the cook is not. He calls Irifune healthy, because the portions are so small, you'll never eat too much going there. This was the only time and place where I ordered take out and my order was not received. I do know I wasted my lunch hour waiting for something that was not delivered. read more

Found this little gem downntown...hidden. Very decent prices for good food. I have tried the katsu curry before and the curry was good; however, the katsu was a lot of bread and not much chicken. That's my only complaint. This time I got the ahi spinach salad. Ahi was very flavorful! The thing in the right corner was veryy tasty too. The key is to go really early or more till closing because it gets packed around 12! read more

Irifune Restaurant - Garlic Ahi Spinach Salad - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Walking around downtown discovered this little gem! I had a bento that included shrimp tempura, assorted vegetables, fish and sashimi. The best thing is the price /$10! Everything was reasonable within this price range. This is a deal considering there were other places with $15 salads and regular sandwiches. I think this restaurant was in Kapahulu. It's located close to courts and unemployment offices read more

Irifune Restaurant - Tempura and blackened ahi - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Wanted to have something with rice for lunch, but not too filling. Ended up at Irifune, and I'm glad I did. I had the breaded tofu. It's a Katsu style tofu slice with a nice Teri sauce. Breading was crispy, and the sauce was nice, not too sweet, with just enough flavor to enhance the dish. It came with a brown/white steamed rice mix & a green salad with Asian dressing. Food was excellent. I will definitely go back for it again. read more

I was working on the building beside Irifune, and we decided to give it a shot. We ordered the special: Seared garlic Ahi. It was outstanding!!! Super tasty and light, paired with rice and salad. I'm looking forward to trying another dish in the future. Great prices too! read more

I'm so happy that they moved to town!!! They're in like a small little stand on mililani street pretty close to the post office. There are a handful of nice tables right in front of them to sit and eat. They have water on the side too so you're more than welcome to stay and eat your bento. I ordered their combination which had sashimi and chicken. Both were super good! I really was craving sashimi and it hit the spot for sure! I need to come back to try the ahi belly! It's always nice to have a new lunch spot open up and especially nice when it isn't in the heart of downtown and closer to my area. read more

Very nice family owned business. Family also works the business and they are a very pleasant family. Good is great. My favorite is ahi capers read more

This is welcome addition to a part of downtown with few dining options. This new take out joint with a surprising amount of seating sees little foot traffic because it's located on a pedestrian mall with only a few large office buildings nearby. The karage chicken curry was flavorful. The karage chicken was pan fried rather than deep fried which creates a nice seared umami flavor that some Japanese chicken curries lack. The breaded tofu katsu was flavorful, filling and very affordable. I will likely order this again. The mini bento was big enough and included their most popular item like the garlic ahi, which was moist, flavorful, with a little kick of spice. All the lunches come with rice, salad and a bonus item-- like miso soup, tsukemen, or mango rice pudding. This restaurant will make my list of regularly visited establishments. I look forward to their full opening and if they start opening for breakfast, I could see myself going near daily - especially since there's so few breakfast options in the area. read more

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Soft opening today! I had the $12 sashimi plate. Kona Abalone, squid, salmon, Ahi and tamagotchi. Small green salad and small cup of miso soup. All quite good. Wish they had brown rice. Expect they will expand their menu as the days go by. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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When people talk about Irifune, they often refer to their yummy garlic ahi. But Irifune offers yummy food beyond their fish. Today I tried their ginger pork and it did not disappoint me. The dish came with generous portion of pork with was seasoned perfectly,along with rice, tofu, and salad. It filled me up for the rest of my afternoon. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Seared Ahi - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I've noticed Irifune restaurant in the Kapahulu neighborhood since the late 80's, but never tried eating here..........I guess what deterred me from coming here was my friend who use to live just around the corner (near the Kapahulu Zippy's) use to rag about this place, so it kinda kept me from trying this place. Well thanks to all my Yelp buddies who posted wonderful reviews and pictures of this place...........I decided to finally give Irifune Restaurant a try on Pau Hana Friday! Irifune Restaurant is located in the Kapahulu neighborhood, sandwiched between a Triathlon Store, and Uncle Bo's Restaurant. Irifune is truly a small "hole in da wall" kinda place, with about 5 small tables inside the restaurant. The menu itself is not too extensive, but they have some pretty good grindz, and the prices are very reasonable too! I do know Irifune is known for their Garlic Ahi, but I did not partake that evening.........maybe next time when I come back here, I will sample that dish. I came here for dinner Friday night with one of my friends, we didn't make any reservations, but lucky for us when we entered the restaurant, there was an open table for us, so there was absolutely no wait time at all. Upon getting seated, the friendly waitress drops off some menus & water. Upon looking over the menu, I decided to order the - 1. Tempura Combination "C" ($16.00) - which consisted of BBQ Chicken, Tofu, and Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura. With my meal, I got a Miso soup, rice, & salad. 2. My friend ordered the Cutlet Special ($14.90) - which is a vegetable omelet over Chicken Katsu with Irifune's sweet soy sauce. With the meal, you get a salad, soup, & rice. Overall we enjoyed our meals..........the food was delicious, and it came out fast. Service was outstanding, as the waitress checked on us several times, and kept our waters filled. There is no parking here, so best bet is to park across the street in the Pay Parking lot just next door to the Side Street Inn area, or if you're lucky enough you can score a metered parking. As for me, I actually got free parking last night, as I parked in the Kapahulu neighborhood near Nanding's bakery (and no, I didn't goto Nanding's for custard pie! Lol!). Looking for a true "hole in da wall" mom & pop restaurant? May I suggest you give Irifune Restaurant a try! read more

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Excellent food...they are only open for lunch..in downtown..we use to eat at the restaurant on Kapahulu...for years...Quality food...totally worth the price.. read more

Food was fresh and I had the seared ahi special with rice and tossed salad. It was a pleasant surprise to have capers draped over the ahi. Very tasty and prepared perfectly. read more

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If I'm being honest this place is ok. Prices are ok, quantity is below average. If you're looking for quantity I don't suggest you come here. The food is above average. I like the Katy's curry but they only give you one slice of thigh. Unlike Grace's Inn which gives 3 slices. Other than that if you're in need of Asian fusion food then this is a good place to try. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Chicken Katsu Curry - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Shaded outdoor seating with to go window where you order, pay, and pick up. The seared ahi with garlic sauce (buttery), hapa rice, and green salad was delicious. This place is know for their seared garlic ahi. I highly recommend this place. The order was $17 plus tax and well worth it. This place used to be on Kapahulu back in the day and it's now a great place to eat at when working downtown. read more

Irifune is a Japanese restaurant located on Kapahulu Avenue. It is one of the mainstay eateries on this popular dining street. The restaurant is located near Ala Wai Golf Course and is across the street from the Kapahulu Zippy's. There is a bus stop right outside the restaurant. And there is a waiting area outside the dining room which I wasn't expecting. Once I entered the dining room, I was amazed by its roominess. I was expecting it to be a hole in the wall type spot. The interior is decorated with eclectic furnishings on the wall. I had lunch here with my dad. They have a good selection of lunch specials here for under $10. A few of them are listed on the sandwich board outside. You can find the full list of lunch offerings on the wall to peruse over. The printed menu they give you is of the regular menu. The restaurant's specialty is their garlic ahi. Hence, I got the lunch menu bento ($8.50) which consists of garlic ahi, sashimi, tempura and miso soup. I thought the food was alright. The garlic ahi is good, but nothing out of the ordinary. Overhyped in my opinion. The sashimi was okay. It did not look that fresh, but it tasted alright. The other offerings were as expected. I liked the service here and the dining room has a casual and low-key feel. There is no parking lot, so the only option is street parking unless you are taking a bus. It can be a challenge to find parking in the area, but you should be able to find a spot on a side street nearby. Just a little walking is required. If you are looking for an eatery in Kapahulu, Irifune is a decent option for Japanese food. It has been in business for a long time which says something given the number of eateries in the area. Restaurants come and go, but Irifune endures. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Interior - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Garlic Ahi= bombskieeeees I read the reviews and knew that I had to get garlic ahi... the question is, which one? I'll help you out. Get the baked ahi with garlic rice.... I got the baked ahi + garlic rice + sashimi combo for $16. In my opinion, this is quite reasonably priced for the amount of food you get! It's a steal, actually. Man this was more than enough food, and it came with a salad and small bowl of mango too!!!! The ahi was very moist and the rice, though on the drier side, had a nice garlicky crust to it. The ahi was also drizzled with a green creamy sauce... heaven. The sashimi was a lot more fatty than normal maguro, which makes me think that it was toro...?? It melts in your mouth! Apparently you can get this baked ahi and garlic rice ala carte during lunch time for only $8.50!! HUH!?!?! I wanttttttt! I also tried my mom's normal garlic ahi (under "irifune ichiban") and it was actually a bit more spicy than mine. It was also a little drier, but it possessed a nice flavor. I liked mine better. I also tried the tofu stir-fry. I was actually not expecting a lot from this, but it had great flavor and a healthy combo of veggies and tofu. It's BYOB, which is nice. Everyone was quite jolly. BRING GUM. Garlic everywhere! No first dates... unless you don't mind the other person reeking of garlic, cause hey, you probably will be too! read more

Irifune Restaurant - Baked ahi with garlic rice and sashimi! - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I got to say the food tasted amazing and was well presented. I was with my bf and his friends. We ordered the garlic soybeans and poke avocado roll for appetizers. Then came out our main dishes. I ordered the garlic crab with vegetable and shrimp tempura. The crab was so ono with garlic. The tempura was tasty as well, not too oily. There was even a side of salad and rice with pork tofu. Earlier we thought about ordering the dessert but we were too full to eat anymore. Plus my stomach wasn't feeling too well ( darn iced vanilla latte drink gave me a sore stomach and was biting my tongue to get through the dinner). Friday night it was so packed with people that we wait more than 30 mins to get seated. The waitress didn't bother letting us know when we could get seated. There was only one waitress serving to the tables and taking orders. Seeing how long we waited to get our orders, get the appetizers, and get our check paid, it too long :( But what could you do. We only paid for two hour parking and waiting to get seated and order and eat our food and pay took almost 3 hrs. That's not acceptable. At least they could hire one more waitress to get the orders and passing out the food quicker. Parking across the street sucks because the instructions to pay for the parking was not very clear. Some ladies ahead of me were struggling to get their parking pass paid for. Parking gets full quickly between 6 and 7pm. They ought to make a parking structure so they can accommodate more customers. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Avocado roll so delicious - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Wow. I never tried this place until today. It is so delicious & I will definitely be back! It's in a convenient location for those who work downtown. I got the garlic tofu stir fry and it did not disappoint. The flavors were all there and I was even in love with the salad! I only wish they gave more salad. I would recommend this place to all my friends & family. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Garlic Tofu Vegetables - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Swinging for the fence straight out of the gate, I really enjoyed how clean it was in the dining area. When you eat at these types of outside establishments, its always comforting when the chairs and tables are clean, and the ground was just as clean. That was awesome right from the get go. I saw a lot of people ordering the Beef Katsu (Mench Katsu)... Recommend it. The katsu was crispy but so flavorful and soft on the inside... Chance this place. Recommend going around 11 to beat the crowds. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Mench Katsu - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Solid plate lunch place in downtown. Reasonably priced. I've had their sweet and sour pork karaage (good) and veggie and fish tempura (very good). There's a nice outdoor seating area. read more

I want to find the new restaurant looks like nearer to Kaimuki Its just that I think of it when I am at hula and dance at Still and Moving center and that is around 1:30 they close at two So will try before heading to Paul Mitchell school in Kaimuki at 11:45-12 read more

Good local joint. The main attraction of course is the garlic ahi tuna filet. Yes, it is delicious but I enjoyed the tempura much more. The DH has eaten here before and says the tataki poke is also ono. Plenty of locals dining here and picking up to go orders so you know it's good! read more

Irifune Restaurant - Garlic Ahi Tuna + Tempura - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Lost treasures found! Toshi and his fabulous food have relocated in downtown for lunch only. The best garlic ahi plate! Breaded tofu continue to bring joy. There is a hamburger steak w/a red wine sauce or ponzu sauce that looks awesome! Veggie stir fry if you don't want meat. Something for everyone. A must try, and try again when in the downtown Palace, library area! read more

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You've probably heard of them before... they are now downtown. This a great spot downtown & close to the state offices. You'll like their affordable prices and good size portions. Lots of choices to satisfy any one. One of my favorite items here is their breaded/fried tofu plate. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Chicken Katsu curry - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Irifune is tucked away on Mililani Street, downtown. They have a handful of outdoor seating that you must walk past to get to the take-out like window to order. They have about 5-7 items that change daily and are under $12. They also have pre-made mini bentos on the counter. The food is filling and is a healthy portion size! Very friendly and quick service. They're only open for lunch. All orders came with side somen/noodles that I forgot to take a picture of. read more

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I tried the bento which included garlic ahi, tempura, and poke and side of rice and salad and a mango rice dessert all for $10. The plate was ready pretty quick. The food was ok except there was a black somewhat curly hair in my tempura :( other than that, the price, quantity, and quality was A-OK for a downtown lunch break selection. read more

I am still surprised that i havent written a review for this place since i've been here plenty times!! This place is literally right across my office and there are not that many places to have lunch around here so i always keep coming back to the same! Like Irifune! -Ambience: place is tiny now since they close what the seating area used to be and now they brought the tables to the waiting area. I must say i love their window sign that says: "Shut up an eat" lol. -Service: waitress is nice and friendly! 10 points! -Parking: None -Food: i know they are known for their Garlic Ahi but i LOVE their bass lemon caper! I was a little disappointed when they took it out of their menu for sometime and i just kept calling and asking to bring this item back and they did!! :) Regular price is $15.00 but lunch special is only $12 and it comes with miso soup (pretty good!) and salad that i dont even touch cause I don't eat vegetables! Overall i would still coming back here! That lemon caper! Omg! read more

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Food is always fresh and tasty. I usually get the karaage chicken and sashimi combo as well as the garlic tofu with vegetables. I know the bento is also popular. Save time by calling in your order. They make the food fresh so if you don't mind waiting a few minutes, it is worth the wait. Reasonable prices. Owner who is the cashier is always friendly and attentive. They open at 11am so get there early since it gets crowded. There is outdoor seating available and you can gander at their snake and other flowering plants. Someone must have a green thumb in addition to being a great cook! read more

Food made when ordered so it's fresh. it takes awhile to cook but worth the wait. Today they were out of garlic spinach salad, and apple dessert. I got the bento: sashimi tempura and garlic ahi. $10. It comes with a small cup of Haupia. Also like their breaded tofu. Seating available outside. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Bento - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Very quick and friendly service. Reasonably priced and the stir fry was amazing! Definitely coming back. read more

Irifune Restaurant - Garlic tofu stir fry - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

UPDATE 12/11/15 After consultation with Darcie I and misleading Kuuipo D that this might not be a place to eat, I have changed my rating to 4. I was really at odds with my rating l, so thanks my Yelpie frenzies for pushing me in the right direction. I guess I can be influenced. Lol. I was debating where or not to give 3 or 4 stars. I love this place and have been coming to dine for nearly 40 years. I decided to stick with a 3 because it's not one of those places where it's OMG, I think I just lost my virginity. Right on the Restaurant Row that is Kapahulu Avenue on the outskirts of Kaimuki, Irifune sits between Island Triathlon and Uncle Bo"s. Parking is at a premium so we generally walk there. There is also street parking if you're lucky and a pay by the hour lot across the street. If you're coming from Waikiki you can catch a bus or taxi if you don't want to walk From since I've known, they have always been BYOB. The bathroom is an interesting shack of home design creations. Two more things before I get into the food, if you buy soda, you pay by the can. I only figured this out today when I asked. I don't know if they were giving me free sodas or I never checked the bill closely enough. And if it's your birthday, tell them and you'll get a surprise. Some of the items I don't care for is the curry. If you wan that go somewhere else. What we (I) like to eat. Garlic Ahi is always a winner. The tempura is alright. The garlic crab is tasty but hard work for such little meat. The sashimi is always fresh. I never really rubbed noses with the long time owner chefs, but they've always prided themselves on the quality food stock. Th rest of the stuff is ok. I used to really like the desserts. They aren't to die for but there is a crepe, fried bananas and ice creams. read more

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Tried this place for the first time. First let me review their waiting room. It may not be grand but I loved the simple decorations and photos on their walls. They also have a dedicated wall for people to pin different business cards. So if you're in the area stop by and pin your business cards. Mind you, this is only the front room. Before you enter the main dining room (which isn't so big) you have to enter by using a sliding door, so don't pull! LOL The place has been there for quite a while and when you enter the dining room you will see an eclectic world of photos, antique decors and mixed Japanese decorations. It almost does not make sense but you feel at home when dining in. For the food, I ordered the Garlic Crab with Shrimp tempura, white rice, salad and fruits on the side and it comes with Miso soup for $17. It was well worth it. The crab was nicely marinated and covered in garlic and a good coat of butter/oil. A friend of mine ordered the Garlic Ahi with Shrimp tempura, salad, fresh fruit. I have to give to this mom and pop place. The taste was superb. They have so many different specials and the quality of food is just outstanding. It didn't take long for us to get our meal and it was perfectly prepared when served. The crab meat was nice and tasty and juicy., the Shrimp Tempura was perfectly battered and not too heavy and overwhelming. I would highly recommend stopping by this awesome mom and pop restaurant off of Kapahulu and taste the wonderfulness of their dishes. I am bound to be back here soon to taste more of their works. Parking is across the street and it's only $2 if you're only there for about an hour or two. They also accept the VIP card and will take $10 off your dinner tab. I saw the sign and it's a good tip for you people that have the VIP card. Happy eating y'all!! OOOH!!! It's a BYOB kinda spot and but there is a fee for bottle disposal. Not bad though! Take your friends and spread the word! read more

Irifune Restaurant - Garlic crab with shrimp tempura - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Came here for lunch today and waited 45 minutes after ordering for my food. The food was delicious, but Im not sure if it's because I was so hungry by the time I sat down to eat it. For a place that's only open for lunch, it's not super considerate of people's lunch break time. Really yummy though. read more

Good, fresh good, quick service, affordable lunch. easy walk up window. One of my favorite places to grab lunch in town.